Discoloration can happen as the result of numerous different factors. This includes tobacco products, drinking pigmented beverages, and aging. While it’s a natural part of life, tooth discoloration is still something that we consider to be unsightly and are insecure of. The good news is that there are teeth whitening options available to help you get the white teeth you have always wanted, but what type should you pick? It is a good idea to avoid the store-bought whitening treatments and opt for a take-home whitening kit from your dentist instead. Continue reading to learn why.
What Are the Disadvantages of Store-Bought Whitening Kits?
Store-bought whitening kits don’t usually deliver the dream results that you hope for because the whitening agent isn’t nearly as powerful as the one present in professional kits. Here are a few of the ways this type of teeth whitening can be harmful for your smile:
- Hurts Gum Tissue: Whitening kits that you get from the store can damage your gum tissue because of the peroxides that are used in them. When you choose whitening strips or gel trays, there is often unnecessary contact between your gum tissue and the whitening agent. With professional kits, the trays are made to fit your teeth perfectly and prevent soft tissue irritation.
- Damages Protective Enamel: When they aren’t being used properly, store-bought kits can cause enamel erosion. This is because many of them contain sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. In the end, this can expose the dentin beneath the enamel of your teeth. This means additional discoloration, sensitivity, and pain.
- Aggravates Dental Issues: If you have a dental issue, like a cavity or crack, store-bought whitening kits can make it worse and much more painful than it was initially. The whitening agent can seep into small crevices and travel to the root of the tooth. This is incredibly painful and can require root canal therapy to fix. With professional teeth whitening kits, your dentist will check your teeth initially for any dental issues before moving forward in the process.
How Do Professional Take-Home Whitening Kits Work?
In order to achieve more dramatic results in a safer manner, professional take-home whitening kits are recommended. First, your dentist will take a look at your teeth and gums to look for any existing oral health problems so they can be addressed before proceeding. You will be provided with custom-fit mouth trays and a potent whitening gel to lift stains from your teeth. After wearing the gel-lined tray for about two weeks, you will see your teeth become noticeably brighter.
You shouldn’t risk your oral health to make your teeth whiter. Talk to your dentist about whitening. This way, you can show off a healthy, white smile!
About the Author
Dr. Pasquale J. Giordano earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Northern Virginia Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He offers in-office and take-home teeth whitening. For more information on your options or to schedule an appointment at his office in Oakton, visit his website or call (703) 938-4300.